the rakʿahs while keeping them few in number. The soundest view is that the best prayer is one whose elements are proportionate. We have already noted that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to make his bowing roughly as long as his standing, and his prostration roughly as long as his standing—that is, close to it. Among the evidences for this is the ḥadith of ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ, may Allah be pleased with them both, in which the Prophet said, “The prayer most beloved to Allah is the prayer of David, and the fasting most beloved to Allah is the fasting of David.”

As for David’s prayer—his voluntary night prayer—he would sleep half the night, stand for a third of it, and then sleep for the remaining sixth. He thus divided the night into three portions: the first half for sleep, the next third for standing, and the last sixth for sleep. This arrangement brings ease to the body. When a person sleeps half the night, he gains a substantial share of rest; if he then stands for a third and sleeps the final sixth, the fatigue caused by the standing is relieved by the sleep at the end of the night.

Nevertheless, if someone rises to pray at any hour of the night, it is hoped that he will attain the reward. What the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, described is the most beloved to Allah and the best, yet it suffices to stand during the last third, the middle third, or the first half—whatever is made easy for you. ʿĀʾishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said, “The Prophet observed witr during every part of the night—at its beginning, its middle, and its end.” Thus, praise be to Allah, the matter is broad.

He then cited the third ḥadith: “During the night there is an hour in which no Muslim servant coincides while asking Allah for any good but that He grants it to him.” The precise moment of this hour is unknown; Allah knows best. Yet the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, informed us of it so that we might strive, search for it, and seek out Allah’s bounty as best we can.